Materials Scientist - Year in Industry Programme 2026

targetjobs UK; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in national security is offering an exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Materials Scientist. You'll work on materials development and contribute to critical national security projects while earning a salary of £23,500. Ideal candidates are those pursuing a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry, with an opportunity to secure a graduate role after university.

Benefits

270 hours of annual leave

9-day working fortnight

Welcome payment

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Savings on everyday spending

Qualifications

• Must achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree by August 2026.
• Eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.
• Curious, problem-solvers with integrity and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to keeping the UK safe and secure.
• Support the life cycle of warhead components and technologies.
• Conduct material property research and characterisation.

Skills

Materials development

Analytical chemistry

Chemistry knowledge

Education

Working towards a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry

Job description

Entry Requirements

We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Materials Scientist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure. Starting salary £23,500 + benefits and welcome bonus. Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with a passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry, Natural Sciences (disciplines with a Chemistry, Physics, Materials focus).

Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026. You must be able to join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

What to Expect on the Programme

Materials Science supports the life cycle of warhead components and technologies to ensure the reliability of the UK\'s strategic deterrent and national security mission. A nuclear warhead contains a vast range of materials including metals, ceramics, inorganic salts, rubbers, foams, adhesives, high explosives and radioactive substances.

Many of these have unique handling issues and our dedicated facilities ensure a safe and secure environment to undertake material property research and characterisation. Materials Science is critical to understanding and predicting the behaviour of these types of materials under various conditions.

Some Of The Projects Available Include

• Development of foam and aerogel materials for laser target application to support the modelling and characterisation of plasma-based reactions. Investigating development and manufacture of materials using less hazardous chemicals. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical and x-ray CT properties/characteristics
• Development of new inorganic materials for control triggered electrical breakdown. Investigating and developing alternative materials, production for testing and electrical breakdown testing. Analysis of materials including chemical, physical, and crystallographic
• Development and application of analytical methodologies associated with the qualitative and quantitative assessment of organic, inorganic and metallic materials. Techniques include mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheology and thermal analyses
• Synthesis of inert precursors for direct in-flow, high-purity synthesis of PETN. Application of synthetic chemistry techniques to prepare and purify target precursor compounds. Evaluation of batch and flow chemistry process techniques, exploring a range of process conditions. Chemical characterisation of inert precursors and PETN products
• Performing experimentation and applying chemistry and/or materials science knowledge to further understanding of material behaviour in complex multi-material systems
• Support Engineering through analysis of test pieces using various microscopic and analytical techniques, engaging with a variety of stakeholders including international partners

Benefits

• £23,500 salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

• Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
• Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.
• Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual ACs running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and 2buddy2 to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.